HAILIE DEEGAN Weighs NASCAR Return as 2026 Silly Season Uncertainty Swirls

December 13, 2025

• HAILIE DEEGAN’s racing future remains wide open after completing her first full INDY NXT season with HMD Motorsports, finishing 14th in standings with 202 points. While her open-wheel results didn’t light up the headlines, she gained valuable experience in a completely different racing discipline that could serve her well regardless of which direction she chooses next.
• The 2026 NASCAR landscape is creating legitimate opportunities for DEEGAN’s potential return to stock cars. With Ty Majeski’s move opening up the No. 98 ThorSport Truck and Kaulig Racing still finalizing three seats for their RAM-backed Truck Series debut, there are actual rides available rather than just speculation and wishful thinking.
• DEEGAN has been actively preparing for 2026, posting go-kart training content that suggests she’s serious about competing next season. Her HMD INDY NXT deal was only for one year, and the team has already started announcing 2026 drivers without her, leaving her free to explore all options as the INDY NXT season doesn’t start until March 1 in St. Petersburg.

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